Sept 24 – At Sea. Both Diana and I got up early this morning. Usually I get up first and blast off to some activity and meet up with Diana later in the day. I like to have the same breakfast almost every morning, ham, onion and cheese scrambled and wheat toast. On the HAL ships they make about 10 kinds of Eggs Benedict. My favorite is Scottish Benedict, muffin, poached egg and smoked salmon with a mild dill sauce. Every now and then I switch to that.
After breakfast I usually participate in an activity. On this cruise the morning Bible study and Tai Chi are at the same time. When Tai Chi was at 8am and the study at 9am I could go to both. Now I’m going to have to pick. I went to the study this morning and it’s not exactly what I’m looking for. It’s more of an old line Protestant service with formalized prayer, responsive readings and the like. The actual study time is very short so since the ‘study’ is what I’m looking for I might just wind up at Tai Chi. I know that Master on board and have sailed with her before. She’s an excellent instructor and really knows her stuff.
I am overjoyed to report that HAL has finally figured out the art of sushi. The rice is finally right and they have a pretty good selection of actual raw items to eat. The tuna and salmon were excellent today. And unlike Cunard, they have actual wasabi. My usual lunch consists of a sushi appetizer followed by a rice bowl topped with something from the stir-fry station. (What, you say? I thought you said just yesterday that you avoid starches. You are correct, but rice is my vice. Gotta have it with Oriental food.) I am also happy to report that the “keeping things mild method” is over for dishes that should be spicy. Dishes that should have some heat finally have it. Not necessarily to the level I prefer, but to a level that makes the dish authentic. This is a big improvement for me.
Our table in the dining room is #16, the same table we had last year and perfect for Diana’s ears. It’s not in the center of the room where she would be affected by multiple prep areas and we’re against the port side bulkhead so there’s only sound coming from one side. It’s a rectangular table for 6 and she can hear everyone. Ideal! Our tablemates are all nice. Good conversationalists and not a negative whiner in the group. Everyone eats at about the same pace so no one’s holding up the service. Should be a good dining experience.
Our entertainer was Glenn Hirsch, a native of Queens Borough in NYC transplanted to Santa Monica 29 years ago. You can still hear a little of the NY twang in his voice but it’s mostly gone. He brings it back to great effect when he needs it to punch up a story. He was very enjoyable, sort of a Seinfeld type, maybe more David Brenner. His show was funny but not over the top.
Tonight we have one of my favorite travel events, an extra hour. I really enjoy the 25-hour days. I probably won’t write an entry for each at sea day because my routine would be pretty boring. After today I’ll probably write an entry covering the entire trip to Hilo.
The boat has been moving slightly since last night, just enough to remind you you’re on a ship and rock you to sleep.
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